What does it mean for a woman to have a double uterus?

A double uterus is a reproductive tract malformation, but the two uteruses each have their own function. It is mainly because the embryo is affected by various factors during its development that this malformation is formed. If there is no abnormality, no treatment is needed.

1. Cause

During embryonic development, due to certain factors in the internal and external environment, the two mesonephric ducts fail to fuse, which can lead to various malformations. For example, if they fail to fuse at all, each develops into two uteruses and two cervixes, and the vagina is often completely separated, with each left and right uterus having a single fallopian tube and ovary.

2. Clinical manifestations

Two sets of uteruses connected to the fallopian tubes, double cervixes and double vaginas, separated by connective tissue; there may also be no septum between the vaginas, forming a double uterus and a single vagina. Patients may be asymptomatic or have heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged menstruation. Both uteruses are functional and therefore do not affect fertility, but miscarriage may occur during pregnancy. During early pregnancy abortion, the non-pregnant uterus is easily scraped and missed, and the uterus continues to grow. The rate of abnormal fetal position increases in late pregnancy. During delivery, the non-pregnant uterus may hinder the descent of the fetal head and cause obstructive dystocia. Uterine contraction weakness is also common, so the cesarean section rate increases. Postpartum bleeding may occur due to the discharge of the decidua from the non-pregnant uterine cavity. Occasionally, a fetus can be seen on each side of the uterus. In addition, the internal mediastinum of the vagina can hinder sexual intercourse, causing dyspareunia or dyspareunia, and can also cause vaginal hematoma on the closed side due to vaginal closure on one side.

3. Treatment

If it does not cause clinical symptoms, no treatment is necessary. If abortion is performed during early pregnancy, it should be monitored under B-ultrasound or both sides of the uterine cavity should be scraped to avoid missing any spots. Intrauterine devices are generally not used for contraception.

In the early stages of pregnancy, you should pay attention to the symptoms of miscarriage. If you experience vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal tightness, lower back pain, and other discomfort, which are known as "threatened miscarriage," you should go to the hospital for appropriate fetal preservation treatment. In daily life, you should relax, slow down your pace of life, don't put too much pressure on yourself, and try to wear loose clothes. In the middle or late stages of pregnancy, more attention should be paid to preventing premature birth. You should have regular prenatal check-ups, and the number and frequency of prenatal check-ups should be more than that of ordinary pregnant women. During antenatal check-ups, medical staff can help to monitor conditions that may lead to premature birth and provide appropriate treatment. Avoid unnecessary long-distance travel, avoid overwork, and avoid excessive worry that may cause mental restlessness and anxiety. If there are signs of premature birth, seek medical attention as soon as possible and adjust your activities during pregnancy.